“Do you know what feels good? To have peers around me who remember my era. To know our values aren’t forgotten, and neither am I. I would be grateful for any help you can offer me,” Lucian said and reached out a hand to Harcourt.
“Let the games begin!” Daniel murmured, and Lucian sent him a dour look before they all laughed.
Chapter Nine.
Maggie
“It’s a surprise. Surely you can wait a few moments?” Lucian teased Maggie as he led her through the bar, blindfolded the following afternoon.
Maggie returned, happy from her shopping trip with the women, and Lucian told Melisandre to keep Maggie busy today. The kitchen was finished, and Lucian was clearly dying to show it to Maggie. He opened the door and walked her forward before removing the blindfold. Maggie gasped as she stared around.
It was perfect. Everywhere she looked was amazing. Lucian most definitely put his heart and soul into making her dream come true. The massive table in the middle of the kitchen had been beautifully repaired. Maggie trailed her hands down the worktops and opened cupboards. Tears trickled from her eyes when she saw the brass cookware all restored.
“I’m lost for words, Lucian, because this is a vision,” Maggie said and spun and threw her arms around him. Lucian didn’t hesitate in dragging her close and dropping a kiss on her lips. Maggie blinked in surprise before reaching up and drawing his head down for a second. Lucian was reluctant to release her, but Maggie dashed from his grip to continue investigating. He watched indulgently as she opened drawers and peeked into cupboards.
“This is beyond my wildest dreams. I’m lost for words,” Maggie cried, spinning in a circle.
“Come, Maggie, the fireplace was repaired, and you can hang four pots over it now. Soup or gravies, or sauces. And the roasting pit. We strengthened the spits so you could get a full hog on there. Today’s pigs are apparently much bigger than in my time! And the spit behind means you can cook another while serving one or have two different meats. And they even rotate themselves! Mr Evans added something, and you press a few buttons, and off they go!” Lucian said, dragging her to the fireplace.
Maggie laughed.
“I want to try this out. Oh, I can’t wait to test some recipes in here,” Maggie called to Lucian.
“So why don’t you? That lapbox, you can buy things on there, can’t you?” Lucian asked.
“Laptop, and yes, I can. I’m so excited!” Maggie said and hugged Lucian.
Once again, Lucian took advantage and dropped a kiss on her lips. Maggie smiled, wanting more of Lucian’s kisses.
“Come, let’s order now,” Maggie murmured.
“I’ve got one more surprise,” Lucian said, although he appeared doubtful.
Maggie cocked her head and followed him out of the opposite door to where the barricaded wall was. Behind her were some dust sheets that were sealed to the walls.
“Lucian, what is happening?” Maggie asked.
“Mr Evans is going to remove the panelling today and then smash through into what’s blocking us from this wing,” Lucian said.
“But no one could break through?” Maggie questioned.
“That was until Katherine. I think your mum will make sure we can tear this down,” Lucian murmured. There was an answering trill, and the wall shook. “Katherine wishes to know what is hidden behind it.”
“Mum, will this harm you?” Maggie asked, reaching out and touching the walls. In return, a resounding raspberry was blown at her, and Maggie laughed and then turned serious.
“What if yours and Margery’s bodies lie there?”
“Then I finally get a funeral, Maggie,” Lucian answered patiently.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Maggie admitted after a struggle.
“You won’t. Just like you didn’t lose Katherine. I’m here to stay,” Lucian promised. Maggie tried shaking off lingering doubts, but there was that one niggle in the back of her mind.
“I do not think we can vanquish Margery until this wall is down anyway.” Maggie sighed.
“Hey, look at that!” Lucian exclaimed as a nail wriggled free from a panel and landed on the floor.
“Wow, okay, mum! We’ll let the builders in!” Maggie said with a laugh as a second screw fell.